Thread Subject: Re: "closed software"

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From: Smith, Jamie
Date: Fri, Feb 23 2007 3:40 PM

The issue of color that I still want to talk to Gregg, somewhat relates to the closed system. I work for Florida Blind Services. Our department and/or state training folks often "out source" with "closed" training systems. The companies more times than not equate accessibility for the blind with speech, generally with JAWS. The closed system did not allow the operating systems contracts and font size changes as it was closed (didn't know that what it was called). Their idea of "color adjustments" in no way meet the needs of folks that were using operating accessibility. The fonts were often difficult to read, and the "large size" they picked for all was either to small for most or too large for the few staff that used magnifiers set to 10-12 point. To me, it seems like it would make more sense to have systems that allow for users to use the software or operating system that enhance access than attempt to make something that may not be useable to some.

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